Thoughts on Spiritual Autonomy & Its Benefits
"Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect." - Jiddu Krishnamurti
Spiritual autonomy is a concept that is deeply rooted in mysticism. At its core, spiritual autonomy is about taking personal responsibility for one's own spiritual growth and development. It involves breaking free from the constraints of external authority and dogma, and connecting with the Divine in a way that is authentic and true to oneself.
In Sufism, spiritual autonomy is considered fundamental for the seeker on the path. As Ibn Arabi stated, "The seeker must become autonomous and develop an independent relationship with the Divine." While spiritual guidance and support from teachers and communities can be beneficial, the seeker ultimately bears responsibility for their own spiritual journey. Taking on this responsibility is not an easy task, it requires the willingness to question authority and navigate through uncertainties. However, the rewards of this path are immeasurable, as it allows the seeker to connect with the Divine in a way that is uniquely their own.
It is important to acknowledge that traditionally Sufi orders function in a master-disciple relationship, where the disciples perceive their master as possessing spiritual power or blessings (baraka) from a direct experience with the Divine Reality or from their spiritual lineage. This structure, similar to other traditional mystic groups, can sometimes create an environment susceptible to abuse and spiritual entrapment, where the followers believe that their spiritual progress is dependent on the blessings of the master. However, there are alternative approaches that some masters adopt, such as operating within the circle structure (halaqa). This structure places the master as an equal participant in the group, encouraging a horizontal engagement that empowers the group to establish their own vertical connection with the Divine Reality. This approach provides a path for individuals to move beyond the limitations of adolescence and towards spiritual maturity.
In today's culture, it's common for people to get stuck in adolescence and never fully mature into adulthood. This is because reaching true adulthood requires conscious effort, and many people are hindered by external authority such as culture, religion, community, and upbringing. In a sense, we became domesticated like “dogs”, unable to access our true nature and fully mature to become “wolves”. It's no surprise that mystics are often disliked by those in power, as they reject external authority and prioritize inner guidance. As Jiddu Krishnamurti said, "The religious mind is free from fear; it is not afraid of being nothing, of being a failure, afraid of the future, afraid of death." This freedom from fear and external control is essential for spiritual autonomy.
Reflecting on my own journey, I can remember times when I wished someone would just tell me what to do during difficult moments, someone who can just give me a clear blueprint to follow. This way of thinking is typical of adolescence, as we yearn for a parental figure or system to guide us. However, this approach is limiting and inhibits our personal growth. The type of parental figure or system we seek can vary depending on the strength of our internal centers within this adolescence state of mind. For example, those who lean mechanically on their intellectual center, or thinking center, may crave a system that provides clear guidance. Those who are more emotionally focused, who rely mechanically on their feelings, may seek a maternal archetype for guidance, while those with a stronger physical center, who mainly operate instinctively, may look for a paternal figure. In all of these cases there’s an imbalance between the physical, emotional, and intellectual centers. But ultimately, true spiritual autonomy requires us to break free from external authority, balance ourselves, and learn to trust our own inner guidance.
Spiritual autonomy allows us to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and understanding of our true nature. It is only by breaking free from external constraints that we can connect with the Divine in a way that is authentic and true to ourselves. As Rumi said, "We must become so free that our very existence is an act of rebellion."
Autonomy is also about surrendering to the Divine will. This may seem contradictory, but it is not. By surrendering our will to the Divine, we are actually gaining autonomy. As Ibn Arabi said, "The Sufi is the one who has given himself up to the will of God." By surrendering to the Divine will, we are no longer bound by the constraints of our ego and our own limited understanding. We are able to transcend our own limitations and connect with the infinite wisdom of the Divine.
In Sufism, surrendering to the Divine will is often referred to as "dying before you die". In this context this phrase symbolizes the transformation from adolescence to true adulthood, where the individual transcends their limited sense of self and becomes attuned to the Divine. It's worth noting that this process of "dying" is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. As one progresses along the path, they will encounter multiple deaths and rebirths, as they shed old patterns of thought and behavior and continue to evolve spiritually.
Benefits:
One of the benefits of spiritual autonomy is the development of personal integrity. By taking personal responsibility for our spiritual growth, we are able to align our actions and values with our beliefs. This is essential for living a life of meaning and purpose. As Rumi said, "Be like the sun for grace and mercy. Be like the night to cover others' faults. Be like running water for generosity. Be like death for rage and anger. Be like the Earth for modesty. Appear as you are. Be as you appear."
Spiritual autonomy also allows us to develop a sense of compassion and empathy for others. By breaking free from external authority and dogma, we are able to connect with others in a more genuine and authentic way. This is essential for developing meaningful relationships and contributing to the betterment of society.
Another benefit of spiritual autonomy is the development of inner peace and contentment. By connecting with the Divine in a way that is authentic and true to oneself, we are able to find a sense of inner peace and contentment that cannot be found in the external world. This is essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
In conclusion, spiritual autonomy is an essential component of spiritual growth and development. By breaking free from and growing beyond external authority and dogma, and connecting with the Divine in a way that is authentic and true to oneself, we are able to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, personal integrity, compassion and empathy, and inner peace and contentment. I invite you to contemplate on what spiritual autonomy is for you, and observe what emerges from within. Let's conclude yet again with the wise words of Rumi: "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." May we realize this truth and connect with the Divine in a way that is uniquely our own.